The University of Southern Indiana men’s cross country team announced the signing of freshman Robert “Flaco” Perales (Milford, Indiana) to a national letter of intent for the 2003 season. Perales is the first runner to sign with USI head coach Mike Hillyard this year.

Perales won eight letters in cross country and track at Wawasee High School in Syracuse, Indiana. During his tenure, WHS won three sectional championships and two conference titles.

Individually, Perales finished 20th at the IHSAA Cross Country State Finals and was a two-time MVP at WHS.

"Robert has a tremendous amount of natural ability, but it may take hime a while to adjust to our training system.” said Hillyard. If he makes the adjustment smoothly, he could find a spot in our top five by conference time. That said, this is obviously a very significant signing for our cross country program."